Version control systems are an integral part of software systems. They work to efficiently combine your many project files and the history of all code changes made during each project. This allows the ability to understand and edit your code over time much easier. The main advantage of using version control systems is that they can help keep the workflow of your team organized while working through many types of releases.

With a system in place, your team members will be able to easily track, research and undo incorrect coding as necessary. Multiple team members will be able to work the same coding projects simultaneously without creating any conflicts. The system will also be able to track what changes were made and by whom. It can also save information about why it was changed.

Before implementing a version control system, it is important to determine which type of system would work best for you and your team. Most systems available offer many similar benefits. However, the differences they each have are even more important.

The Two Main Version Control Systems

With any type of version control system – SVN vs Git –, a project's files will sit on a server that you send your files to once you have completed your work for the day on a local machine. There are two main types of control systems. The first type is a centralized version such as an SVN. The second type is a distributed version such as the Git. Choosing between the two can affect how you commit to changes in your code. Not all versions fit different team's needs. Below is some information about how each version works so that you may choose the best system for you and your team.

How The SVN Version Control System Works

SVN stands for Subversion. It represents one of the more popular centralized systems available on the market today. Using a centralized system, teams will be able to keep the files and historical data of a project stored on a single, central server.

• Trunk- The trunk is the main hub of your current and stable code. It only contains the tested and unbroken code of your product.
• Branches- The branches of your system are where you house your new code and additional features. In this section, team members can use the trunk code to research and develop new branches. These branches can be tested simultaneously by multiple team members without the risk of disrupting each other's code progress.
• Tags- The system's tags are duplicates of branches during any given point of the process. Tags are not used during the development phase. They are typically deployed once a branch code has been completed. Using tags to mark your code makes it easier for you to review and revert any code that is not working properly.

How The Git Version Control System Works

For more than a decade, centralized systems were the top choice to use during most product development projects. In recent years, however, Git has started to become more popular. Unlike the Subversion system, Git uses more than one repository. It has a central repository and a variety of local repositories where exact copies are kept. The local copies also include the entire history of code changes.

Benefits Of Git Version Control Systems

• Faster To Commit- When using Git, team members are mostly working within their local repository and only needing to commit to the central repository once in a while. When using SVN, the network traffic becomes slow due to more people having to commit to the system's central repository more often.
• No Single Points Of Failure- Unlike working with the SVN system, the Git control system doesn't have a single point of failure. This system allows different developers to work on their code within their own repository without worrying if the central one is broken. A code can be worked on locally until the central repository is fixed. Git can be used offline without the risk of losing features if connection is lost.